Swabian-Alemannic carnival

Photo: 'Narrensprung' in Rottweil

Information in brief

• Carnival in the southwest German area
• Imaginative costumes, wooden masks are very common
• folklore with a long tradition

Description

The Swabian-Alemannic carnival, known as Fasnacht, Fastnacht or Fasnet, is a custom in southwest Germany with a long tradition. Every year, the fools take over the government of their towns and villages between Fat Thursday and Ash Wednesday. A large number of processions with all kinds of characters make their way through the streets during this time.

Photo: Carnival parade in Elzach

Not all the associations and customs have been in existence for centuries - some only for 20 or 30 years - but the processions, the costumes and the hand-carved wooden masks are always nice to see. The traditionalists include the associations in Villingen, Rottweil, Oberndorf and Elzach with their "Narrensprung" carnival parades, which are well worth seeing.

Further information

• Pictures from the carnival in Rottweil, Elzach and Oberndorf
• Dates of the most beautiful events and parades (in German)